Fifteen-year-old Aura Ambrose has been hiding a secret. Her mother, a talented artist and art teacher, is slowly being consumed by schizophrenia... read full description
reviews
Feb 26, 2011
I have to admit that the one thing that drew me to this novel was the gorgeous cover art, but the thing that kept me reading was the beautiful writing.
This is one of the most impressively written debut novels I've read this year. (And that's saying a lot because I've read a lot of them!) But it wasn't just the writing that was so striking... the characterization, the story... everything! It was... WOW.
Aura's story is definitely one that will stay with you. To watch her strugg More...
This is one of the most impressively written debut novels I've read this year. (And that's saying a lot because I've read a lot of them!) But it wasn't just the writing that was so striking... the characterization, the story... everything! It was... WOW.
Aura's story is definitely one that will stay with you. To watch her strugg More...
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Sep 26, 2011
Sarah
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What do I have to say about A Blue So Dark? The cover design is beautiful; its what made me buy the book to begin with. It matches the story, with the color of the water and detail of the title, perfectly. The title also drew me in. It sounded interesting and, obviously, dark. It is written almost lyrically, and I especially loved Aura's poems.
Now for the story. Aura Ambrose has been caring for her schizophrenic mother ever since her father left them a few years ago. The story begins with h More...
Now for the story. Aura Ambrose has been caring for her schizophrenic mother ever since her father left them a few years ago. The story begins with h More...
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Jan 26, 2011
Jen
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4.5 stars.
"Schizophrenics have abnormalities of left or right brain functioning. The left brain )the center of logic seems to be most affected. Which means the right side, the creative side, takes over. And that's why a schizophrenic is like a child playing dress-up, afraid of monsters, living in a world of make-believe."
This book moved me. I'm talking "picked-me-up-and-hurtled-me-across-the-room" moved me. I may very well be biased, as I am studying More...
"Schizophrenics have abnormalities of left or right brain functioning. The left brain )the center of logic seems to be most affected. Which means the right side, the creative side, takes over. And that's why a schizophrenic is like a child playing dress-up, afraid of monsters, living in a world of make-believe."
This book moved me. I'm talking "picked-me-up-and-hurtled-me-across-the-room" moved me. I may very well be biased, as I am studying More...
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Jun 22, 2011
Austin
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This book was written in a way so dark, it was beautiful. I loved the story line of how Aura was dealing with her mother's schizophrenia. Throughout the book, Aura's mother syncs deeper and deeper into mental illness, as she struggles through her hallucinations. It was so sad to see Aura take care of her mother and try to piece her back together. I really liked the plot of the book because as Aura is searching for help, her mother's hallucinations become dangerously worse. I could really relate
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Nov 03, 2011
Aly (Fantasy4eva)
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How do I even begin? Just wow. The very first time I spotted “A blue so dark” I knew it was a book I had to have because it just seemed so different from anything else out there. I'm not very knowledgeable on the topic of schizophrenia apart from knowing the basics. Reading this novel has creating so much more awareness of this illness.
Aura is a girl who has had to grow up very fast - she is merely fifteen soon to be sixteen, and it has been three years since her father gave up on h More...
Aura is a girl who has had to grow up very fast - she is merely fifteen soon to be sixteen, and it has been three years since her father gave up on h More...
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Jan 14, 2012
BookChic
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Schindler's debut is a sight to behold- the subject matter of schizophrenia is handled realistically and with care, working well with the poetic nature of the prose. It's a book that's so easy to get lost in and, for me at least, I really lost myself in Aura's life, as if I were going through those things instead of her. I've never gone through anything like what Aura has, but the way Schindler weaves her tale, it's hard to not get so emotionally invested in Aura's life.
I loved all the More...
I loved all the More...
Feb 07, 2011
First Novels Club
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Fifteen-year-old Aura Ambrose has been hiding a secret. Her mother, a talented artist and art teacher, is slowly being consumed by schizophrenia, and Aura has been her sole caretaker ever since Aura's dad left them. Convinced that "creative" equals crazy, Aura shuns her own artistic talent. But as her mother sinks deeper into the darkness of mental illness, the hunger for a creative outlet draws Aura toward the depths of her imagination. Just as desperation threatens to swallow her who
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Dec 27, 2010
Donna
rated it:
For once, a book about teenagers with real problems. That's not really to undermine the issues that teenagers have. At that age, when you don't have any other worries, what your reputation is, who you're dating, who you're friends with, etc. is everything. But this is real. This is the real that makes all of that other stuff trivial shoe dirt. On the one hand you have a girl that's been saddled with being the sole caregiver to a schizophrenic mother and on the other, you have her friend that cou
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Nov 18, 2010
Jordan
rated it:
This book was great. At first I wasn't sure I'd get into it because of the subject (a mother fall into schizophrenia and her daughter is her only support system) and I'd read a book with a simliar situation I didn't enjoy. Holly Schindler does an excellent job. *If my review seems fairly vague or a bit disjointed, it's because I don't want to give anything away but I've done my best*
Mother and daughter are brilliant artists left with only each other when Grace's (mom) battle with s More...
Mother and daughter are brilliant artists left with only each other when Grace's (mom) battle with s More...
Nov 15, 2010
Chrystal
rated it:
What an amazingly well written story about creativity vs. schizophrenia. It's so achingly poetic and unbelievably touching to follow Aura on a path she shouldn't have had to make alone. Aura does her best to take care of her mother, all while watching the mother she once knew flounder and then sink beneath the waves that are schizophrenia.
The story gripped me tightly and almost didn't let go. It was heart wrenching to see this young girl struggling with the thoughts inside herself – lo More...
The story gripped me tightly and almost didn't let go. It was heart wrenching to see this young girl struggling with the thoughts inside herself – lo More...
Aug 05, 2010
Debasmita
rated it:
I don’t know how I am supposed to start writing a review for this book...to describe it in one word,I would say ‘WOW’!
To say ‘I loved A Blue So Dark’ would certainly be an understatement! Holly Schindler did a swell job on the book. From providing knowledge about schizophrenia to rooting the reader’s interest in the book from the very first page,Holly has been impeccable! From the synopsis itself,I was aware that A Blue So Dark is a different kind of book-a kind of book I am not used More...
To say ‘I loved A Blue So Dark’ would certainly be an understatement! Holly Schindler did a swell job on the book. From providing knowledge about schizophrenia to rooting the reader’s interest in the book from the very first page,Holly has been impeccable! From the synopsis itself,I was aware that A Blue So Dark is a different kind of book-a kind of book I am not used More...
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Jul 31, 2011
Joy (joyous reads)
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Schizophrenia: A psychotic disorder characterized by withdrawal from reality, illogical patterns of thinking, delusions, and hallucinations. See also: NIGHTMARE.
I didn’t have any expectations about this book. The cover drew me in because it looked like a paranormal story I could get lost into. I honestly didn’t even read any blurbs, reviews—not even the synopsis before I ordered it. This book has been sitting in my to-read shelf for quite a while. Imagine my surprise when it turned o More...
I didn’t have any expectations about this book. The cover drew me in because it looked like a paranormal story I could get lost into. I honestly didn’t even read any blurbs, reviews—not even the synopsis before I ordered it. This book has been sitting in my to-read shelf for quite a while. Imagine my surprise when it turned o More...
Feb 09, 2011
Melody
rated it:
I don't think I have ever read a story that features a schizophrenic character. With so many rave reviews I read on A Blue So Dark over the blogosphere, I decided to add this book onto my to-read list and there you go.
Aura Ambrose thinks her life sucks. Her father left the family for another woman. Her mother, Grace, is a gifted artist and an art teacher but she is slowly losing her mind to schizophrenia. Due to her condition, there are times she couldn't differentiate between real l More...
Aura Ambrose thinks her life sucks. Her father left the family for another woman. Her mother, Grace, is a gifted artist and an art teacher but she is slowly losing her mind to schizophrenia. Due to her condition, there are times she couldn't differentiate between real l More...
Jul 08, 2011
I don't like to give up on books, especially when I have gotten through worse than this.But it's come time to let this one go.
My expectations for this book were really, unfairly high. I stumbled across in on Goodreads while at work, started to read it as soon as I got home that day and it just wasn't magic for me. I've had this story in my head for a while now, about a young girl living the southern states and her mother is diagnosed with schizophrenia so when I read this summary, More...
My expectations for this book were really, unfairly high. I stumbled across in on Goodreads while at work, started to read it as soon as I got home that day and it just wasn't magic for me. I've had this story in my head for a while now, about a young girl living the southern states and her mother is diagnosed with schizophrenia so when I read this summary, More...
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Apr 20, 2011
Ann
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I did not care for the way this one was written...however...I did appreciate the story...I was happy I finished...the actual subject of schizophrenia was dealt with in a way that allowed those of us with no prior witness to have some insight...first hand I can say I understood the fear...my father forbid me to write for fear people would think I was 'crazy'...being from the Fitzgerald blood line was a base...I did not actually pen my first novel until after my father had passed...I did not under
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Jun 13, 2011
Elizabeth "Liza"
rated it:
This novel was very good. It is difficult to put into words how beautifully written it is. The novel follows Aura's struggle as she is the sole caretaker of her mother, who is struggling with schizophrenia. Aura makes herself believe that the reason her family is cursed with this condition is because they are artists, therefore she tries to avoid anything that is remotely creative.
I was so mad because not only did Aura felt (and was made) responsible for her mother, but because th More...
I was so mad because not only did Aura felt (and was made) responsible for her mother, but because th More...
Jun 17, 2010
Reading Angel
rated it:
Such a lyrically beautiful book. You know how sometimes you'll find a sentence that just speaks to you, and you want to write it down somewhere so you don't forget? Well, almost the entire book was that sentence for me. Holly Schindler just has a way with words, that draws you right into the story and won't let you go until you've devoured every last word. This book really touches on a touch subject, but it was handled in such a real way. I really felt like I was living Aura's life with her
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Dec 06, 2010
Laurie(Time Stand Still)
rated it:
At times this book was hard to read. Not because the story was bad, no, because the story was very good. The writing draws a very clear picture. I wanted to jump into the pages and give Aura a hand. I was really angry with the adults in her life that should lover her, but left her to deal with the situation all alone and robbed of her adolescence. I didn’t fully conceptualize the painting and drawing descriptions but being slightly creative with words myself, I really enjoyed the poetry and how
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Jan 14, 2011
Cathy/The Crazy Bookworm
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A Blue So Dark is the reason why I love reading so much. Every once and a while a truly remarkable book makes it into your hands and A Blue So Dark was one of those books for me. Once I finished reading the last sentence I was left a little sad, not at the book but because it was over. Aura is an unforgettable character and her story will stay with me for a very long time. The story is heart-wrenching, tragic and hauntingly beautiful. Aura is just a 15 year old girl that has to deal with problem
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Jul 01, 2011
D.
rated it:
This book was marvelous! The cover is beautiful and totally makes me want to read it. The topic, a teenage girl caring for her schizophrenic mother, could have come out dry and predictable. However, it was real and a refreshing change in the fantasy-dominated world of YA. You can feel the characters' pain and their desire for things to improve; they are tangible people that you feel could live next door to you or go to your school. Aura Ambrose, alone since her father left, battles her mother's
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Jul 27, 2011
Melody
rated it:
This is one of the more intense books I've read lately. I was pulled in and held mesmerized throughout. The characters are so real, so broken and so translucent it was impossible to look away. Even when I wanted so much to look away.
Aura is given a lot to deal with here, her mother's descent into mental illness most notably. This book is the story of how Aura's life comes apart despite her best efforts. It's really well-done, it's really dark, it's a grueling read.
A few More...
Aura is given a lot to deal with here, her mother's descent into mental illness most notably. This book is the story of how Aura's life comes apart despite her best efforts. It's really well-done, it's really dark, it's a grueling read.
A few More...
Feb 13, 2011
Jordan
rated it:
This book starts out with a depressing scene which is portrayed throughout the entire book. There is also an aspiring romance between the main character and her crush. I enjoyed the storyline, the characters, and the ending. The characters in the book are very relatable, and all share an important role in the life on the main character and her situation which I found to be very heartfelt. The ending couldn't have been any better. The classic happily ever after ending with a twist. The story is v
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Jun 03, 2010
Claire
rated it:
If this was a general list I would give the book 3 stars. The pace of the writing matches the subject nicely.
Aura lives with her mother. She desperately misses her old life, the one when her dad was a philosopher and her mom was an accomplished artist and she their beloved Aura. Now Mom is lost to schizophrenia, Dad has bailed for his perky new family and career in insurance- Aura is left to care for her ever stranger mother.
She promised her mom when Dad left- "No drugs, no te More...
Aura lives with her mother. She desperately misses her old life, the one when her dad was a philosopher and her mom was an accomplished artist and she their beloved Aura. Now Mom is lost to schizophrenia, Dad has bailed for his perky new family and career in insurance- Aura is left to care for her ever stranger mother.
She promised her mom when Dad left- "No drugs, no te More...
Jul 14, 2011
Kristen
rated it:
I really enjoyed A Blue So Dark. The cover intrigued me, but after I started reading it, I was blown away by the writing. This book tells the story of a girl, Aura, who has to deal with her mother who has schizophrenia. Aura is terrified that she will get this illness because she has an artistic talent, like her mother, and thinks that means she will automatically get it. At times, I just felt bad for Aura and what she has to deal with, and it might even make you tear up. It is beautiful story,
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Jan 06, 2011
Ally
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
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Dec 15, 2010
Suzanne
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Aura's mother is crazy. Not just eccentric but full blown burn-the-house-down, the-walls-are-talking-to-me schizo. She has been coping with her mother's bizarre needs since her dad decamped and made a new & improved family. Aura doesn't have that option of divorce, and she probably wouldn't take it if she did because for all her shortcomings, she loves her mom and values her talent and vision as an artist. At the same time, she is terrified that the artistic temperment she shares with Grace migh
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Aug 01, 2011
Nicole
rated it:
My first trip to a library again after ten years of not being in one resulted in a fantastic first read. This book is a far cry from the manga and other variety of books I’ve been reading so far, and I never imagined I would wander into the Young Adult section of my library and walk away with this beautifully covered book whose internal message and tale is so… intense and alluring. Considering this is the first novel ever written by Holly Schindler, there are only positive things that I have to
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Nov 12, 2010
Laura
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wow what an intense novel, but i loved every minute of it, and can't wait to read playing hurt that comes out in March of 2011.
This story focuses on a girl named Aura and her mother who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Aura's father leaves them because its too much for him to handle and her mother refuses to take her medication for her illness. Aura promises her mother she won't give her medications again and slowly see's her mother slip into the realm of madness. With a best fri More...
This story focuses on a girl named Aura and her mother who has been diagnosed with schizophrenia. Aura's father leaves them because its too much for him to handle and her mother refuses to take her medication for her illness. Aura promises her mother she won't give her medications again and slowly see's her mother slip into the realm of madness. With a best fri More...
Oct 19, 2010
Brandi
rated it:
A Blue so Dark is a very powerful and emotional book about a teenager caring for her schizophrenic mother.
Aura, the main character has a wonderful voice that is easy to read even when the subject material is difficult. The quotes at the top of each chapter make me laugh even while giving an insight into the life. It is hard to watch her keep her promise to her mom to keep her off meds, and struggle with her belief that art is a contributing factor to the disease.
This book More...
Aura, the main character has a wonderful voice that is easy to read even when the subject material is difficult. The quotes at the top of each chapter make me laugh even while giving an insight into the life. It is hard to watch her keep her promise to her mom to keep her off meds, and struggle with her belief that art is a contributing factor to the disease.
This book More...
Jul 19, 2010
jane
rated it:
Quick disclaimer: this isn't really my type of book. I'm not usually into emotional sagas about illness, even in YA lit (I despised My Sister's Keeper, for example). However, I read a really great review of this book by Amanda at Another Book Junkie, so when I saw it at my local library I decided to put the past behind me and give it a try.
I'm glad I did. The book wasn't exactly a page turner compared to a lot of the things I've been reading lately, but it did hold my attention. It w More...
I'm glad I did. The book wasn't exactly a page turner compared to a lot of the things I've been reading lately, but it did hold my attention. It w More...
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